Spring Celebration, Hıdrellez: Myth and Play

Abstract

Myths are symbolic structures that influence the way meanings are created and the social world is interpreted. This study aims to understand how myths are sustained by play and focuses on the example of a seasonal ritual, namely Hıdrellez spring celebration, in Turkey. Hıdrellez celebration is a leisure activity characterized by festive events, rituals, and social practices. It also relates to human knowledge and practice concerning nature and the universe. The study adopts a qualitative research design based on interviews, as this is an exploratory study. The findings reveal that plays contributes to the continuation of myths via performances, leisure communities, embodiment, and fun. However, it is also evident that the sacred rituals of Hıdrellez are being commodified by the entertainment businesses in urban settings.

Keywords:

• Identity
• myth
• play
• play communities
• spring celebration